Auto-replenishing, wound-dressing apparatus and method

Abstract

Apparatus and methods to treat skin defects include a pump with reservoirs for a pressurization gas and a fluid. Upon activation, the pump generates a gas introduced into the gas reservoir, a movable wall of which displaces a movable wall of a fluid source, thus dispensing the fluid into the dressing to spread throughout irrespective of orientation of the dressing, maintaining a transport fluid (e.g. carrier) in the dressing and in contact with a skin defect being treated. The dressing may have a distribution network, and multiple members, dispensing the fluid into the dressing and in contact with a skin defect being treated.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A dressing comprising:
 a distribution member; 
 a feed conduit for delivering a fluid to the distribution member, the distribution member configured to receive and distribute the fluid substantially uniformly across the distribution member by wicking action, irrespective of the orientation of the distribution member; and 
 an interface member is positioned between the distribution member and a skin defect being treated by the dressing, the interface member transporting the fluid into contact with the skin defect. 
 
     
     
       2. The dressing of  claim 1 , wherein the distribution member maintains a predetermined amount or concentration of fluid substantially uniformly across the distribution member. 
     
     
       3. The dressing of  claim 1 , further comprising a protective member positioned adjacent the distribution member. 
     
     
       4. The dressing of  claim 3 , wherein the protective member is semi-occlusive. 
     
     
       5. The dressing of  claim 4 , comprising one or more members structured to operate as at least one of the interface member, the distribution member, and the protective member, a fluid transport member, a tenting member, a fluid absorber, and a combination thereof. 
     
     
       6. The dressing of  claim 1 , wherein the distribution member comprises at least one material chosen from a polymer, a woven fabric, a non-woven fabric, a naturally occurring fiber, a sponge, a fiber matrix, a gauze, absorbent material, adsorbent material, a gel, and a foam.